Implants and methods for inter-spinous process dynamic stabilization of a spinal motion segment

ABSTRACT

An implant assembly for stabilizing a spinal motion segment includes a spacer which is at least partially flexible and positionable between adjacent spinous processes. The spacer member includes upper and lower surfaces structured to receive a respective adjacent one of the upper and lower spinous processes of the spinal motion segment and a body having flexibly distinctive first and second sections relative to one another configured to modify the manner of movement at the spinal motion segment.

BACKGROUND

Implants can be positioned between adjacent spinous processes to provide resistance to vertebral movement as a result of extension of the spinal column. These implants can provide a shock absorber or bumper that dynamically limits spinal extension. The implants can be secured to the adjacent spinous processes with looped cables or straps that extend completely about the spinous processes and implant to maintain positioning of the implant between the spinous processes while also limiting spinal flexion. However, in addition to controlling the range of motion between adjacent spinal motion segments, it has been discovered that more positive patient outcomes also rely on changing the manner in which the adjacent spinal motion segments move relative to each other. Thus, there remains a need for an implant which can both control motion and alter the manner in which the spinal motion segments move.

SUMMARY

There is provided spinal implants, implant assemblies and methods that provide stabilization of a spinal motion segment through the posterior vertebral elements.

According to one aspect, a spinal implant includes a spacer member which extends along a longitudinal axis between opposite upper and lower ends. The upper and lower ends are structured to receive a respective one of the adjacent upper and lower spinous processes of a spinal motion segment. The spacer member includes a body including at least a first and a second section. Each of the first and second sections includes a flexibility characteristic that is different from the other.

According to another aspect, a spinal implant includes a spacer sized and shaped to extend between adjacent upper and lower spinous processes of a spinal motion segment. The spacer member includes a body with an exterior wall extending between opposite upper and lower ends. In an implantation orientation between the upper and lower spinous processes, the exterior wall includes an anterior surface opposite a posterior surface. The body further includes at least a first section having a first flexibility characteristic quality and a second section having a second flexibility characteristic that differs from the first flexibility characteristic. In one form, the first and second sections are configured to modify the manner of movement of the spinal motion segment when implanted between spinous processes of the adjacent vertebrae.

According to a further aspect, a method for stabilizing a spinal motion segment comprises: providing a spacer member including an upper end structured to contact an inferior surface of the upper spinous process and a lower end structured to contact a superior surface of the lower spinous process and a body including at least flexibly distinctive first and second sections, with the first section being less flexible than the second section; and positioning the spacer member between the adjacent upper and lower spinous processes of the spinal motion segment with the first section oriented anteriorly.

These and other aspects will be discussed further below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a posterior portion of a spinal column motion segment with a spinal implant in the form of a spacer member engaged therewith.

FIG. 2 is a lateral view of the spinal column motion segment of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A-3G are sectional views taken along view line 3-3 of FIG. 1 of various alternative embodiment spacer members.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the spacer member of FIGS. 1 and 2 taken along view line 4-4 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment spacer member taken along a view plane corresponding to line 4-4 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4B is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment spacer member taken along a view plane corresponding to line 4-4 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment spacer member.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along view line 6-6 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view in partial section of another embodiment spacer member.

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the posterior portion of the spinal column motion segment of FIG. 1 with a spacer member assembly including a tethering system engaged therewith.

FIG. 9 is a lateral view of the spinal column motion segment and spacer member assembly of FIG. 8.

FIGS. 10A-10C are sectional views taken along view line 10-10 in FIG. 8 of various alternative embodiment spacer members.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Implants are positionable between adjacent spinous processes of a spinal motion segment to dynamically stabilize and limit spinal extension and/or flexion while altering the manner of movement between adjacent vertebral bodies which in one form includes repositioning the center of rotation for one or both of flexion and extension movement at the spinal motion segment. The implant includes a spacer member that forms a composite structure received between the spinous processes. The implant includes at least a first section and a second section with a flexibility characteristic that differs from that of the first section. In one form, the configuration of the first and second sections provides an asymmetry of flexibility between anterior and posterior sides of the implant that provides preferential deformation and influences the repositioning of the centers of rotation for flexion and extension at the spinal motion segment. In another form, the spacer member may be employed alone or with other implants, such as rods, plates, tethers, interbody fusion devices, interbody spacers, artificial discs, annulus repair system, or staples, for example.

In a further form, one or more engaging members in the form of a tether couples the implant to one or more posterior vertebral elements or implants. The engaging members can be engaged to the spacer member, or extend through the spacer member. The engaging members can be engaged to the posterior elements in a configuration that at least partially limits spinal flexion. Alternatively or additionally, the engaging members can be engaged to the posterior elements in a manner that prevents or resists the spacer member from being displaced from its implantation location between the spinous processes. In yet another form, the engaging members may increase the rigidity of one or more of the first and second sections.

In FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown a spinal column segment 10 including an upper vertebra V_(U), a lower vertebra V_(L) and a spinal disc 13 therebetween along a central axis 11 of the spinal column. The vertebrae V_(U), V_(L) and disc 13 comprise a spinal motion segment, it being understood that a spinal motion segment may include multiple vertebral levels in one more of the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical regions of the spine. Upper vertebra V_(U) includes an upper spinous process SP₁ while the lower vertebra V_(L) includes a lower spinous process SP₂, with the spinous processes SP₁, SP₂ defining a space S therebetween. The spinous processes SP₁ and SP₂ comprise posterior elements of the vertebrae V_(U), V_(L) of the spinal motion segment along with the transverse processes 15, 16, 17, and 18, laminae 19 a, 19 b, facets, pedicles and other posterior structures of each vertebrae V_(U), V_(L).

A spinal implant 30 in the form of a spacer member 31 is positioned in the space S and extends between and engages with the spinous processes SP₁, SP₂ to provide stabilization and modification of the spinal motion segment. Spacer member 31 includes a body 32 which in its implanted orientation has a first lateral side 34 and a second lateral side 36, with the lateral sides 34, 36 extending between a superior end 38 and an inferior end 40. As best seen in FIG. 2, for example, the body also includes an anterior side 42 opposite a posterior side 44. It should be appreciated that the transition between each of the anterior and posterior sides 42, 44, lateral sides 34, 36, and superior and inferior ends 38, 40 may be rounded or beveled in order to decrease the profile of the body 32 and minimize intrusion and potential trauma to adjacent neural tissue and surrounding spinal anatomy.

The body 32 further includes a first concave portion 46 and a second concave portion 48 situated at respective superior and inferior ends 38, 40. Each of the concave portions 46, 48 is disposed between a pair of respective upright arms 50 a, 50 b and 52 a, 52 b. Concave portions 46, 48 are sized and shaped to engage with and receive respective inferior surface 12 of the upper spinous process SP₁ and superior surface 14 of the lower spinous process SP₂. The arms 50 a, 50 b, 52 a, and 52 b extend beyond the respective concave portions 46, 48 to engage with the lateral sides of the spinous processes SP₁, SP₂. While concave portions 46, 48 are illustrated having a substantially arcuate shape, it should be appreciated that in one or more forms the concave portions 46, 48 may include an alternative configuration, such as a rectangular shape or may be structured to receive a greater portion of the spinous processes SP₁, SP₂ to further resist dislodgement from space S.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the upper vertebra V_(U) and lower vertebra V_(L) have a normal center of rotation COR_(N) (illustrated in phantom) for flexion and extension motion of the spinal motion segment when the spacer member 31 is not positioned in space S between the spinous processes SP₁, SP₂. While the normal center of rotation COR_(N) is located substantially in the center of the vertebral bodies VB₁, VB₂ in FIG. 2, it should be appreciated that the position of the normal center of rotation COR_(N) may vary based on several factors, including the region of the spinal column, individual patient anatomy, disease state or the effects of concurrent procedures (such as spinal decompression), just to name a few. Also illustrated in FIG. 2 are the resultant positions for the center of rotation for flexion COR_(F) and the center of rotation for extension COR_(E) when one form of spacer member 31 according to the present application is inserted in space S between the spinous processes SP₁, SP₂. In this form, the center of rotation for flexion COR_(F) is repositioned anterior to the normal center of rotation COR_(N) while the center of rotation for extension COR_(E) is repositioned posterior to the normal center of rotation COR_(N). Further details in regard to modifying the normal center of rotation COR_(N) will be set forth below.

Referring now to FIG. 3A there is shown a sectional view of one embodiment spacer member 31 along line 3-3 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the spacer member includes a first section 54 adjacent to anterior side 42 and a second section 56 positioned adjacent to posterior side 44 and abutting against first section 54, with each of the sections 54, 56 extending longitudinally between the spinous processes SP₁, SP₂. A portion of first section 54 is surrounded, at least along its superior and inferior sides, with second section 56. First and second sections 54, 56 form an overlapping arrangement in the anterior-posterior directions that provides a transition in the stiffness profile where the stiffness decrease posteriorly. First section 54 includes a posterior portion 55 that extends part-way into second section 56 in the anterior to posterior direction.

In this and the other forms contemplated herein, the spacer member 31 is fabricated from components that are flexible or exhibit at least some flexibility with the second section 56 being more flexible than the first section 54. Additionally, at least a portion of the spacer member 31 is resilient and/or elastic so it can assume various shapes during and after insertion and attachment. In one form, the flexibility of one or both of sections 54 and 56 is controlled by constructing the spacer member 31 with longitudinal gradations. In another form, the flexibility of the sections 54, 56 is varied by using materials with different elasticity, flexibility, or rigidity qualities. In one form, it is contemplated that the materials for the first section 54 and the second section 56 are selected based upon their modulus of elasticity.

It should be appreciated that either of sections 54, 56 may comprise any biocompatible material, material of synthetic or natural origin, and material of a resorbable or non-resorbable nature so long as the flexibility of the sections varies. For example, in one form of the present application, section 54 comprises PEEK while section 56 comprises silicone. It is also contemplated that other polymers such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polyaryletherketone, polyacetal, polysulfone, polyimide, polyester, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylonitrile, polytetrafluorethylene, poly-paraphenylene, terephthalamide, cellulose, biocompatible rubber materials, and combinations thereof may be used. Suitable ceramic materials may include alumina, zirconia, polycrystalline diamond compact, pyrolitic carbon, and porous tantalum material. Suitable composite materials may include carbon-filled composites, hydroxyl-appetite-filled composites, and bioactive-glass-filled composites. The spacer member 31 may also include autograft, allograft or xenograft material and tissue materials including soft tissues, connective tissues, demineralized bone matrix and combinations thereof. In an embodiment including a resorbable material, any one or more of polylactide, polyglycolide, tyrosine-derived polycarbonate, polyanhydride, polyorthoester, polyphosphazene, calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, bioactive glass, collagen, albumin, fibrinogen and combinations thereof may be a suitable material. It should be appreciated that the selection of material for one or both of sections 54, 56 will influence the positioning of the centers of rotation for flexion and extension COR_(F), COR_(E).

When spacer member 31 is inserted into the space S each of the spinous processes SP₁, SP₂ bears against the first section 54 and the more flexible second section 56. Since the spinous processes bear against both sections 54 and 56, a preferential deformation of the spacer member 31 is formed by movement of the spinal motion segment and the centers of rotation for flexion and extension COR_(F), COR_(E) are influenced. When the more rigid section 54 is disposed anterior to the second section 56 and the spinal motion segment undergoes extension, the center of rotation for extension COR_(E) is moved posterior to the normal center of rotation COR_(N) because the spinous processes SP₁, SP₂ rotate about the more rigid section 54 and compress or deform the more flexible second section 56 as they move toward one another. As the spinal motion segment undergoes flexion movement, the spinous processes SP₁, SP₂ again rotate about the more rigid section 54 until enough force is created to compress or deform section 54, thus repositioning the center of rotation for flexion COR_(F) anterior to the normal center of rotation COR_(N). Moreover, when the more rigid section 54 is placed anterior to the second section 56, section 54 is provided with sufficient rigidity in one embodiment to maintain a distraction distance between the laminae 19 a, 19 b in order to avoid stenosis and associated neural complications.

Referring now generally to each of FIGS. 3B-3G there is illustrated a sectional view of alternative embodiment spacer members 31 b-31 g. It should be understood that the configuration of each of the spacer members 31 a-31 g has been varied by adjusting the positioning of the first section 54 relative to the second section 56 in order to provide spacer members with alternative flexibility characteristics which may be used to alternatively vary or control movement of the spinal motion segment.

Referring to FIG. 3B, spacer member 31 b further includes a third section 58 which comprises a material generally more flexible than the material of sections 54, 56. The material of section 58 is generally structured to conform to the respective adjacent spinous process SP₁ or SP₂ in order to provide enhanced reception and engagement and may comprise one or more of the materials suitable for sections 54 and 56. For example, in FIGS. 3C and 3D the spacer members 31 c and 31 d will react much the same as spacer 31 during flexion and extension. In FIG. 3C, first section 54 and second section 56 are arranged in side-by-side relation to one another in the anterior-posterior direction with no overlapping portions. In FIG. 3D, first section 54 includes a posterior extension 55 that is surrounded at least one its superior and inferior sides with second section 56, and extension 55 extends to the posterior side 44.

In FIG. 3E, the first section 54 is disposed both superiorly and inferiorly around the second section 56, such that the first section 54 creates an axial force which compresses the second section 56 during extension of the spinal motion segment. Moreover, in FIG. 3F the first section 54 of spacer member 31 f is at least partially surrounded by the second section 56 such that the first section 54 will limit the flexibility of the second section 56 when a force greater than the elastic or compressive limit of section 56 is applied thereto. In FIG. 3G, first section 54 is surrounded at least partially along its anterior and posterior sides with a more flexible second section 56. Spacer 31 g will provide deformation of the second section 56 during both spinal extension and spinal flexion, while first section 54 provides resistance to deformation when the supported vertebrae are in their neutral position.

In the embodiments discussed above, the arrangement of the first and second sections can be reversed so that the first section 54 is more flexible than the second section 56. Still other embodiments contemplate more than first and second sections to provide additional gradations in the flexibility of the implant. In still other embodiments, it is contemplated that one of the first and second sections may be removable from the spacer member and replaced with an alternative replacement section in order to alter the flexibility characteristics of the spacer member. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A, second section 56 may be removable from the spacer member 31. A plurality of replacement sections having flexibility characteristics different from the first section 54 and the second section 56 may be provided to replace the second section 56. It should be appreciated that both the second section 56 and the replacement sections may be engaged with the spacer member 31 and the first section 54 through any standard manner, including a friction fit, pinning, tacking, stapling, screwing and/or any combination thereof, just to name a few possibilities. In this form, the stabilization of the spinal motion segment may be monitored subsequent to positioning the spacer member 31 between the spinous processes SP₁, SP₂ to determine if alterations to the stabilization are desired. For example, it may be desired to adjust the positioning of one or both of the centers of rotation for flexion and extension COR_(F), COR_(E). When an alteration to the stabilization of the spinal motion segment is desired, the removable section may be replaced with one of the replacement sections having different flexibility characteristics. For example, in one non-limiting form, when it is desired to reposition the center of rotation for extension COR_(E) in an anterior direction, the flexibility of the selected replacement section may be less than that of the second section 56 but greater than that of the first section 54. It should be appreciated that the stabilization of the spinal motion segment may be continually monitored and that the removable one of the first and second sections may be replaced with one of the replacement sections until the desired stabilization is achieved. The procedure of removing the removable section and replacing it with the alternative section may be performed through any standard surgical procedure. However, in one form, in order to minimize surgical complexity and trauma to the patient, it is contemplated that the procedure is performed percutaneously through a minimally invasive procedure.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, wherein like numerals refer to like features previously described, there is shown a sectional view of respective spacer members 31 and 31 b along line 4-4 of FIG. 2. In FIG. 4A, the portion of the body 32 of spacer member 31 which forms arms 50 a, 50 b, 52 a, and 52 b engages with the upper and lower spinous processes SP₁, SP₂. In one form, this portion of the body 32 may be flexible enough to at least partially conform to the spinous processes SP₁, SP₂. In an alternative embodiment such as spacer 31 b, the third section 58 is disposed around the concave portions 46 b, 48 b to provide a surface that conforms to the spinous processes SP₁, SP₂ regardless of the flexibility or rigidity of the rest of the body 32 b.

An alternative embodiment spinal implant 70 in the form of spacer member 71 is illustrated in perspective view in FIG. 5. The spacer member 71 includes a substantially U-shaped body 73 including longitudinal members 75 and 76 and an arcuate portion 82 extending between the longitudinal members 75, 76 to form a concave area 84 extending between surfaces 78 and 80. In an implantation orientation the body 72 is structured for positioning in the space S between the upper and lower spinous processes SP₁, SP₂ such that the concave area 84 faces in an anterior direction with the upright members 75, 76 abutting a posterior surface of the laminae 19 a, 19 b and the upper spinous process SP₁ engaging with surface 78 and the lower spinous process SP₂ engaging with surface 80. In one non-illustrated embodiment, the body 72 may be structured so that the longitudinal members 75, 76 may be positioned between the adjacent laminae 19 a, 19 b to keep a distraction space between the laminae 19 a, 19 b while the surfaces 78, 80 engage with and support the adjacent spinous processes SP₁, SP₂. In one or more forms, the body 72 may include one or more features structured to resist anterior migration of the implant 70 into the spinal canal. In yet another non-illustrated form, it is contemplated that surfaces 78, 80 may include a recessed area for receiving and engaging the spinous process SP₁, SP₂.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a section view of the spacer member 71 along view line 6-6 of FIG. 5. In this form, spacer member 71 includes a first section 86 disposed generally in the longitudinal members 75, 76 and a second section 88 disposed generally in the arcuate portion 82. As described above in regard to spacer member 31, the spacer member 71 can be fabricated from components that are flexible or exhibit at least some flexibility with the second section 88 being more flexible than the first section 86. In one form, the flexibility of the sections 86, 88 may be varied by using materials with different elastic, flexibility, or rigidity qualities. It is further contemplated that one or more of the materials comprising sections 86, 88 may be selected from the materials set forth herein above in regard to spacer member 31. In the implantation orientation of spacer member 71, the more rigid first section 86 is positioned anterior to the more flexible second section 88 and the centers of rotation for flexion and extension COR_(F), COR_(E) will be repositioned relative to the normal center of rotation COR_(N) as described above in regard to spacer member 31. Moreover, with the more rigid section 86 disposed generally in longitudinal members 75, 76, the spacer member 71 will maintain a distraction distance between the laminae 19 a, 19 b to help avoid stenosis and associated neural complications. While alternative section views of spacer member 71 have not been provided, it is contemplated that the configuration and positioning of the first section 86 and the second section 88 may be modified in order to provide a spacer member 71 with various flexibility and stabilization features.

An additional alternative embodiment spinal implant 100 in the form of spacer member 101 is illustrated in perspective view in FIG. 7. Spacer member 101 is generally similar to spacer member 31 and includes a body 102 which in an implantation orientation extends between a superior end 104 and an inferior end 106. The body 102 also generally includes lateral sides 108, 110 and anterior side 112 and posterior side 114. The concave portions 116, 118 are structured to engage with and receive the upper and lower spinous processes SP₁, SP₂ as described herein. In the illustrated form, the body includes a first section 120 positioned anterior to a hollow chamber 122 with the chamber 122 being structured to receive one or more injectable materials. When the chamber 122 includes the injectable material, the body 102 includes a second section in addition to the first section 120. The injectable material may include gels, pastes, slurries, or liquids, just to name a few possibilities. In one form, the injectable material may be deliverable in a first state and cure to a second state after injection. However, regardless of the form, the injectable material will be more flexible than the first section 120 in order to provide an implant with flexibility and stabilization features similar to that of spacer member 31. In one non-illustrated form, the body 102 may include one or more injection ports to receive the injectable material from a delivery instrument. In yet another form, it is contemplated that the body 102 may include one or more chambers in addition to chamber 122. It should also be appreciated that the positioning of the one or more chambers 122 or first section 120 may be altered to provide spacer members with various flexibility and stabilization features. Moreover, it is contemplated that section 120 may be the more flexible section and that the more rigid material may be delivered to the one or more chambers 122.

In another form, it is contemplated that the injectable material may be removed from the chamber 122 subsequent to positioning of the spacer member 101 at an implantation location. In this form, a patient may be monitored to determine if changes to the stabilization of the spinal motion segment are necessary. For example, after the initial positioning of the spacer member 101, it may be determined that one or both of the centers of rotation for flexion and extension COR_(F), COR_(E) needs to be adjusted. If an adjustment is necessary, the injectable material may be removed and replaced with an alternative injectable material having different flexibility characteristics in order to alter one or both of the centers of rotation for flexion and extension COR_(F), COR_(E) as desired. It is further contemplated that the stabilization of the spinal motion segment may be continuously monitored and, if necessary, the injectable material may be varied until desired stabilization of the spinal motion segment is accomplished. The injectable material may be removed and introduced to the chamber 122 of the spacer member 101 through any known surgical procedure. In one form however, the spacer member 101 is structured for access by a delivery instrument through a percutaneous surgical procedure in a minimally invasive manner in order to minimize surgical complexity and trauma to the patient.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is shown an implant assembly 125 relative to the spinal motion segment of FIGS. 1 and 2. Implant assembly 125 includes a spinal implant 130 in the form of a spacer member 131 positioned in the space S and extending between and engaging with the spinous processes SP₁, SP₂ to provide stabilization and modification of the spinal motion segment. Spacer member 131 includes a body 132 which in its implanted orientation has a first lateral side 134 and a second lateral side 136, with the lateral sides 134, 136 extending between a superior end 138 and an inferior end 140. As best seen in FIG. 9, for example, the body also includes an anterior side 142 opposite a posterior side 144. It should be appreciated that the transition between each of the anterior and posterior sides 142, 144, lateral sides 134, 136, and superior and inferior ends 138, 140 may be rounded or beveled in order to decrease the profile of the body 132 and minimize intrusion and the potential for trauma to adjacent neural tissue and surrounding spinal anatomy.

The body 132 further includes a first concave portion 146 and a second concave portion 148 situated at respective superior and inferior ends 138, 140. Each of the concave portions 146, 148 is disposed between a pair of respective upright arms 150 a, 150 b and 152 a, 152 b. Concave portions 146, 148 are sized and shaped to engage with and receive respective inferior surface 12 of the upper spinous process SP₁ and superior surface 14 of the lower spinous process SP₂. The arms 150 a, 150 b, 152 a, and 152 b extend beyond the respective concave portion 146 and concave portion 148 to engage with the lateral sides of the spinous processes SP₁, SP₂ to prevent or resist dislodgement of the spacer member 131 from space S.

Spacer member 131 is similar to spacer member 31 discussed above but also includes an engaging member 160 extending therefrom to attach spacer member 131 to posterior vertebral elements or implants of the spinal motion segment. Spacer member 131 includes any arrangement for spacer member 31 discussed above in FIGS. 1-3G. Spacer member 131 includes through-passages 162 extending between opposite sides thereof, which include the lateral sides 134, 136 of spacer member 131 in the illustrated embodiment. Passages 162 receive engaging member 160 therethrough. Engaging member 160 may comprise multiple engaging members, or a single engaging member looped through passages 162. Still other embodiments contemplate a single passage 162, or three or more passages 162, through which one or more engaging members 160 are positioned.

Referring to FIG. 10A there is illustrated a section view of spacer member 131 along view line 10-10 of FIG. 8. As indicated, spacer member 131 is similar to spacer member 31 and likewise includes a first section 154 and a more flexible second portion 156. Sections 154, 156 are also similar to sections 54, 56 described above in regard to spacer 31. However, the first section 154 includes passages 162 extending therethrough. When the engaging member 160 is received in passages 162 and is engaged to posterior vertebral elements or other implants and an axial pulling force is exerted on the spacer member 131, the more rigid section 154 resists deformation of the spacer body. Moreover, alternative embodiment spacer members 131 b and 131 c are illustrated in section view in FIGS. 10B and 10C. In FIG. 10B, the passages extend through the more rigid section 154 such that as an axial pulling force is exerted on the spacer member 131 b, the more rigid section 154 again resists deformation of the spacer member 131 b. In FIG. 10C, the passages 162 extend through the more flexible second section 156 which is situated between superior and inferior portions of first section 154. In this form, the second section 156 is deformable in response to the axial pulling force until it is limited by the surrounding more rigid first section 154. It should be appreciated that the engaging member 160 and the passages 162 may be alternatively configured relative to the first and second sections 154, 156 in accordance with the various embodiments set forth herein.

Engaging member 160 can be in the form of a tether, cord, wire, cable, suture, band, strap, belt, or other suitable structure for manipulation and securement to one or more posterior vertebral elements. Engaging member 160 may be wrapped or positioned around posterior vertebral elements and then maintained in position with a crimp or other suitable fastener. Furthermore, engaging member 160 can be coupled to spacer member 131 in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, engaging member 160 is movably coupled to spacer member 131. Engaging member 160 can be integrally formed with spacer member 131, or can be attached by a fastener, suture, anchor, cable, link, over-molding or other suitable connection. Spacer member 131 can be provided with ears, eyelets, recesses or other suitable structure to facilitate engagement of engaging member 160 to spacer member 131. Engaging member 160 may be employed in spinal stabilization procedures where it is desired to limit spinal flexion by, for example, wrapping engaging member 160 about the superior surface of the upper spinous process and/or upper lamina and the inferior surface of the lower spinous process and/or the lower lamina. Engaging member may alternatively be employed as a retention mechanism to maintain spacer member 160 in position between the spinous processes.

With respect to the various embodiments described herein, the engaging member can be joined or fixed to the spacer member using various devices and/or techniques, or can be integrally formed with or form an extension of the spacer member. The spacer member can be joined or attached to the engaging member by, for example, sewing the engaging member to the spacer member, thermal welding or bonding, adhesive bonding, three dimensional weaving or braiding, screws, staples, pins, tacks or rivet fixation. Furthermore, the engaging member can be secured to the spacer member either before or after the spacing member is placed between the spinous processes. The engaging member can be engaged to other engaging members of other implant assemblies or to other implants engaged to the spinal column in the surgical procedure.

The engaging members described herein can be made from any one or combinations of biocompatible material, including synthetic or natural autograft, allograft or xenograft tissues, and can be resorbable or non-resorbable nature. Examples of tissue materials include hard tissues, connective tissues, demineralized bone matrix and combinations thereof. Further examples of resorbable materials are polylactide, polyglycolide, tyrosine-derived polycarbonate, polyanhydride, polyorthoester, polyphosphazene, calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, bioactive glass, and combinations thereof. Further examples of non-resorbable materials are carbon-reinforced polymer composites, shape-memory alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, cobalt chrome alloys, stainless steel, and combinations thereof.

While not illustrated, it should be appreciated that one or more of the spacers contemplated herein may include one or more additional sections with one more additional elasticity, flexibility, or rigidity qualities. Moreover, in another non-illustrated form, it is contemplated that upon implantation the spacer member may not include one of the first or second sections. In this form, a plurality of coupleable members sized and shaped like the first or second section may be provided with differing flexibility characteristics so that a surgeon may select which to include at the implant site during a surgical procedure. It should be appreciated that the coupleable members may engage with the spacer members through any one or more of a press fit engagement, a mechanical connection, fusion, or adhesion, just to name a few possibilities. It should also be appreciated that in one or more forms the spacer members may be integrally formed or may include one or more portions coupled together.

In a further embodiment, it is contemplated that stiffening members can be provided to enhance or increase the stiffness of spacer members 31, 71, 101, 131. For example, in one non-illustrated form, a stiffening member may be in the form of a band that extends about and contacts the perimeter of spacer members 31, 71, 101, 131. Moreover, more than one stiffening member can be provided about spacer members 31, 71, 101, 131 to allow the stiffness profile of the spacer members 31, 71, 101, 131 to be increased or decreased by adding or removing a stiffening member. Examples of suitable stiffening members include woven fabric tubing, woven and non-woven mesh, or braided or woven structures, sutures, tethers, cords, planar members, bands, wires, cables, or any other component capable of extending about the perimeter of the spacer member to increase stiffness thereof.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the scope of the inventions described herein or defined by the following claims are desired to be protected. Any experiments, experimental examples, or experimental results provided herein are intended to be illustrative of the present invention and should not be construed to limit or restrict the invention scope. Further, any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated herein is meant to further enhance understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way to such theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding. In reading the claims, words such as “a”, “an”, “at least on”, and “at least a portion” are not intended to limit the claims to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary. Further, when the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used, the claims may include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for stabilizing a spinal motion segment, comprising: providing a spacer member including an upper end structured to contact an inferior surface of an upper spinous process and a lower end structured to contact a superior surface of a lower spinous process and including at least flexibly distinctive first and second sections forming an asymmetrical stiffness profile that varies between anterior and posterior sides of said spacer member wherein said anterior side defines the anterior extent of the spacer member and said posterior side defines the posterior extent of the spacer member and wherein said second section is positioned between said first section and said posterior side and wherein the spacer member includes a first lateral side and a second lateral side, each lateral side extending from said upper end to said lower end and said first section extends along said anterior side and said first and second lateral sides and said second section extends along said posterior side and said first and second lateral sides and wherein said anterior side and said posterior side each extends from the upper end to said lower end; and positioning said spacer member between the upper and lower spinous processes of the spinal motion segment with said first section oriented anteriorly and said second section oriented posteriorly and with said first and second sections movably supporting the upper and lower spinous processes.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said spacer member varies the center of rotation for flexion and extension of an upper vertebral body engaged to said upper spinous process relative to a lower vertebral body engaged to said lower spinous process.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising positioning each of the upper and lower spinous processes between arms at each of the upper and lower ends of the spacer member.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising engaging the spacer member to posterior vertebral elements of the spinal motion segment with a tether.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing additional spacer members including alternative configurations defined by the positioning of said first section relative to said second section, wherein said first section is less rigid than said second section in each of said additional spacer members.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising injecting a first injectable material into a chamber in one of the first and second sections, the injectable material including a modulus of elasticity different from that of the other first or second section.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: monitoring the stabilization of the spinal motion segment subsequent to the injecting of the first injectable material; removing the first injectable material from the chamber of the one of the first and second sections; and injecting a second injectable material flexibly distinctive from the first injectable material and the other of the first and second sections into the chamber to alter the stabilization of the spinal motion segment.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the removing and injecting are performed percutaneously.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein one of the first and second sections is removable from the spacer member.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: monitoring the stabilization of the spinal motion segment subsequent to the positioning of the spacer member between the upper and lower spinous processes; and replacing the removable one of the first and second sections with a third section flexibly distinctive from the first and second sections to alter the stabilization of the spinal motion segment.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the replacing is performed percutaneously. 